Pasture Management to Stabilize Carbon and Nitrogen in Soil.

Nitrogen is an essential element of agricultural productivity, but it has numerous mechanisms and opportunities for loss to the environment, which can threaten environmental quality.  Stabilization of N in soil can be achieved through its direct coupling with C in soil organic matter.  This presentation describes recent research on soil C and N changes under various pasture management systems.  Carbon and N cycle through different fractions of organic matter – particulate, microbial biomass, and aggregate-associated.  The influence of these different fractions on conservation of C and N in soil will be explored.